Community Corner

'Wings Over Pittsburgh' Coming Back in September

Air show is scheduled for the Sept. 10 weekend.

Air shows are all about really cool planes doing neat acrobatic tricks in the air.

But they’re also an important opportunity for the military and community to join forces to put on a spectacular event for the area and its residents.

That’s the message organizers of the “Wings Over Pittsburgh” air show are sending as they move into the homestretch of preparation for the events around the Sept. 10 weekend.

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“The thing about it is everyone gets involved,” said Lt. Col. Chuck Sargent, who is the event organizer for the 911th Airlift Wing in Moon. “It’s a neat way to bring the community together as one big team.”

Sargent said last year’s event had record crowds after the air show moved from June to September, and he expects it to grow even more this year. The event takes more than a year to plan as performing acts from across the country are scheduled.

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This year’s air show at Pittsburgh International Airport will feature a number of military jets and civilian acts, including the Heavy Metal Jet Team. Organizers said the civilian acrobatic squad composed of former military and stunt pilots is getting good reviews after forming earlier this year.

Col. Jeffrey Pennington, commander of the , said the air show is a way for the military to give back to the community, reach out to local veterans and also find a new generation of aviators. He added that it’s important for air show organizers to work closely with local residents and officials to put on the event.

“We’re all on the same team,” Pennington said. “This is happening right here in your community. Come be a part of it.”

There will be a number of military jets on display, which allows the airmen to explain what they do and why it’s important. Sargent added that some of the pilots who fly into Pittsburgh during the weekend are from the area and return to give back to their hometown.

He said many of the reservists at the 911th enjoy reaching out to the air show attendees.

“It’s our responsibility to bring in the next generation and have them say, ‘We can do this, too,’” he said. “We’re just kids who grew up and got flight suits.”

For more information about the “Wings Over Pittsburgh” air show, check out its official website or“Like” the event’s Facebook page.


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